FAZ VP Mweemba given emotional send off

By SPORTS REPORTERFAZ vice president Rix Mweemba was yesterday given a passionate send off by the football fraternity at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross following his death on Tuesday at Coptic Hospital in Lusaka.Mweemba, a FIFA instructor, accountant and a seasoned football administrator who worked with three different FAZ executives in different capacities such as FAZ treasurer and chairperson of the League Restructuring Working Group, was given a befitting send-off amidst an outpouring of grief at the Cathedral.The funeral service was attended by Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, National Sports Council of Zambia chairperson Patrick Mutimushi, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, Chipolopolo technical bench led by Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, Zambia Sports Fans Association patron Peter Makembo, football administrator Marsha Chilemena and other hundreds of mourners.Kamanga said the FAZ executive committee was happy to have benefitted from Mweemba’s immense knowledge that he generously shared with the association.“Mweemba was instrumental in conducting Administrators’ courses in all the 10 provinces in 2019 espousing the importance of transparency, accountability and integrity in management of the game.“When we were elected in FAZ in 2016, as Treasurer he was particularly passionate about financial management, and was always available to announce the gate takings from all FAZ matches, and the associated costs. This he enjoyed doing,” said Kamanga.“Football being a turbulent sport, we walked through many storms with Mr Mweemba and he always came out strong. His service to football speaks for itself.”“Two words summarise his character, diligent and fearless,” Kamanga added.Mulenga, said he “came to learn of his (Mweemba’s) deep sense of humanity and humbleness,” and was also made aware of his great sense of selflessness that saw him take up various roles at Football House until his death.“The government feels Mweemba ran a good race by accomplishing many achievements which we will at all times remember. It may not be enough to give Mr Rix Mweemba just a befitting send-off, but will be more honourable to also emulate his lifestyle of dedication to duty and passion for football in his long administrative career,” Mulenga said.“Today, many soccer players are showing their soccer talents in the local and international leagues because Mweemba did his part in his career.” “It was a privilege and honour to be divinely connected to you my husband. I will forever cherish the times we shared together, go well my friend, my sweetheart my husband, father to our children, until we meet again,” said Mweemba’s widow, Edith. He will be interred today in Mazabuka.He is survived by his wife, six children and four grandchildren.